Students will practice critical reading skills and engage with the historical and political contextualization of selected novels by John Steinbeck. The development and expression of autonomous judgements will be encouraged.

In-class analysis of textsShort lecture inputsDiscussion

The course focuses on Steinbeck’s “Dustbowl trilogy”: In Dubious Battle, Of Mice and Men, and The Grapes of Wrath. All three novels are set during the Great Depression, and all depict the plight of migrant workers.

Students should do a bit of background reading on John Steinbeck.

Please mind the prerequisites according to your curriculum.

Required texts (Please purchase)In Dubious Battle (any edition)Of Mice and Men (any edition)The Grapes of Wrath (any edition)Supplementary materials will be made available on Moodle.

Participation 25%Response paper 25%Term paper 50%

Critical analysis of narratological and/or political aspects of Steinbeck's novels.

Evaluation of insightfulness of analysis, appropriacy of register, management of relevant secondary sources.